New Job, New Failure

Posted March 31st, 2011 / By Jeff in Resources, Tips

I have recently moved from recent college grad to a newly minted real-world employee. I will wait for the applause to die down… No, seriously, I thank you, but we have things to cover today. Alright, now that you’ve calmed down… There is quite a bit on my plate currently, and this is where the trouble ensues. In an effort to impress and make it clear I am a valuable asset to the company, I have been biting off more than I can chew, and itʼs caused me to fail in delivering on time or, in some cases, at all. Luckily, while frustrated, my colleagues and bosses know that itʼs chaos and we are working together to smooth the wrinkles. So, I present to you the ways I have found to avoid failure and some advice I have been given.

If you are working with people that donʼt have a background in video or graphics, communication is key.

My main issue has been that I am used to operating in an environment where everyone has, at least, a better than basic understanding of post-production. The people I interact with at work donʼt understand how long it actually takes to make a quality 10 seconds of animation or the nuance of optimizing for web versus output to dvd. This is where a good chunk of the issues have sprung from. I have learned that I need to ask questions. What format is that asset in? Is it the full resolution version or has it been compressed? If you are working with people that donʼt have a background in video or graphics, communication is key. Make sure you are on the same page about what assets exist and what can be done with those assets.

The other stumbling block has been setting deadlines. Part of this issue has been related to lack of communication, but partly it’s been me trying to impress. I really like the job–it’s challenging and there are a lot of different aspects. From studio management to video production and motion graphics, I am the guy. So when they ask when I can deliver a video, I give them a slightly unrealistic time frame. Oh, sure the video can be done if everything goes perfectly. And I work until after midnight. And wake up two hours early to check renders and convert the files to the appropriate file format. Sure, I’m willing to do it, but it’s setting a precedent. I want to keep this gig for years, but I don’t want to have to go pedal-to-the-metal every day. Then, there is also the fact that in the real-world things don’t go perfectly.

So, there it is: How I fell flat on my face at the new job. Hopefully, you’re more on top of the game then I was and you think it’s ridiculous that I even had those problems. If not, just remember to communicate and give yourself the proper time to turn around projects, and your bosses and colleagues will be blown away with your professional knowledge and ability to consistently deliver on time. Your friends and family will marvel at your ability to not be too busy to hang out.

Jeff Saunders has a Bachelors Degree in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics from the Art Institute. He currently works in Minneapolis, MN as the Visual Art Director for Fitness on Request LLC. He has also over 3 years experience in broadcast television behind the scenes as produciton assistant, floor director, camera operator and has even moved the levels on soundboards.